What it means
A leg up is a bit of help that gets you moving or nudges you ahead. It can be a proper helping hand, like someone backing you for a job, or a slightly dodgy advantage through contacts and favours. It comes from the literal boost up, but in everyday talk it usually means support that gives you an edge.
Usage examples
"Sophie put in a good word and gave me a leg up for that apprenticeship, cheers, now HR’s ringing me like I’m already on the payroll."
"His uncle gave him a leg-up with that first job at the firm."
"A small grant gave the little bakery the leg-up it needed to expand."
"I only got my foot in the door because Maya gave me a leg up and passed my CV straight to her manager."
"Not saying he didn't work for it, but having your dad in the business gives you a bit of a leg up, doesn't it?"
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Where it comes from
It comes from the literal act of giving someone a boost with your hands or knee so they can get up onto a horse, over a wall, or onto something high. That physical hoist turned into the figurative sense of help or an advantage that moves someone ahead.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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